ALL ALONE

HOOKED ON HORROR GHOUL

In the British Journal of Anaesthesia researchers said the findings are worrying because the UK has fewer critical care beds than many other high or middle-income countries.

Experts found 25,475 cancelled ops in England during the first quarter of the year – the highest on record.

Researcher Dr Danny Wong said: “Patients are often very anxious in the period leading up to surgery.

“Having operations cancelled can compound their stress.”

NHS JET DRYERS LOO GERM ALERT

JET hand dryers should be banned from hospital toilets because they spread more germs than disposable paper towels.

The high-power devices blow dangerous bugs around the room when people fail to wash their hands properly, experts found.

Yet towels absorb microbes that remain on the hand.

Scientists tested the air, floors and surfaces for bacteria at hospitals in the UK, France and Italy. Contamination was “significantly higher” on days when jet dryers were used.

The bacteria included E.coli and MRSA. Both can cause fatal infections. Study leader Mark Wilcox, professor of medical microbiology at the University of Leeds, said: “The problem starts because some people do not wash their hands properly.

When they use a jet air dryer, the microbes get blown off. In effect, the dryer creates an aerosol that contaminates the toilet room, including the dryer itself and potentially the sinks, floor and other surfaces.

“If people touch those surfaces, they risk becoming contaminated.” Department of Health guidance allows air dryers in loos in public areas but — on grounds of noise, not risk — not in clinical areas.